Current News Coverage
Grangeville Fire Restrictions Area Moving To Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
DailyFly, 7-18-24
(Grangeville, ID) Hot and dry weather conditions have recently continued to cure both live and dead fuels across the landscape in north-central Idaho. This has prompted a decision amongst interagency land managers to implement Fire Restrictions for the Grangeville Fire Restrictions Area. Fire Wardens and Fire Management Officers from the Nez Perce Tribe, Idaho Department of Lands, Bureau of Land Management, Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protection Association, and the Forest Service have collectively decided to implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for the Grangeville Fire Restrictions Area. (see attached map or visit here: https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire management/fire-restrictions-finder/ ). State Fire Restrictions apply to all federal, state, state endowment, private forestlands, and rangelands within the designated area.
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Grangeville Area to Implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Due to Hot, Dry Conditions
Big Country News, 7-18-24
GRANGEVILLE - Due to ongoing hot and dry weather conditions curing both live and dead fuels across north-central Idaho, interagency land managers have decided to implement Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for the Grangeville Fire Restrictions Area. This decision was made collectively by Fire Wardens and Fire Management Officers from the Nez Perce Tribe, Idaho Department of Lands, Bureau of Land Management, Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protection Association, and the Forest Service.
Starting at 12:01 A.M. PDT on Saturday, July 20th, the following activities will be prohibited until further notice:
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Federal amendment would add protections for Sawtooth National Forest
Idaho Mountain Express, 7-18-24
The Biden administration announced in December a historic plan to protect mature and old growth forests on public lands to benefit biodiversity and help mitigate the effects of climate change.
If the proposed National Old Growth Amendment succeeds, it could provide lasting protections for the first time for aging forests in the vicinity of the Wood River Valley, including the Sawtooth Valley.
“It would mean more inventories [of old growth and mature forests], analysis and disclosure,” said Sawtooth National Recreation Area forester Nelson Mills, who oversees timber harvesting, tree-thinning and tree planting in the Sawtooth National Forest.
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Fox pointed out that logging is never allowed in the vast wilderness areas, including much of the SNRA, but that Idaho Department of Lands logging operations, which include management of about one million acres of endowment timberland, or 6% of Idaho forests, have no federal protections. These lands provide about 30% of the timber harvested in the state, according the Idaho Department of Lands.
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Some permitted burning restricted by IDL
St. Marie's Gazette Record, 7-17-24
With hot weather and dry conditions continuing over the next few weeks, burn restrictions have been put in place and the fire danger has been raised to high.
The Idaho Department of Lands burn permit website has prohibited many types of burning in the area.
The following burning types are closed: burn barrel, residential yard waste and small slash piles, weed control along ditch banks and fence lines, rangeland not cultivated or seeded in the last 10 years, medium slash piles and large slash piles.
At this time, no burn permits are being issued in the city of St. Maries.
Campfires in established fire rings are still permitted.
For more information on burn restrictions call the Idaho Department of Lands at 208-245-4551 or the St. Maries Fire Protection District at 208-245-5253.
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Firefighting pilot Juliana Turchetti dies in crash while tackling a wildfire
AirMed&Rescue, 7-16-24
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and Idaho Governor Brad Little issued the following statement upon learning of the passing of a wildland firefighter responding to the Horse Gulch fire.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the young female wildland firefighter who tragically lost her life responding to the Horse Gulch fire in Helena, Montana. Our first responders and wildland firefighters put their lives on the line to quickly respond to threats and protect our communities. It’s a true act of bravery to run toward a fire. We join all Montanans and Idahoans in praying for the fallen hero’s family and friends during this tragic time.
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Idaho’s potential for significant fire activity increases with hot, dry conditions
Idaho Capital Sun, 7-16-24
Idaho fire officials are preparing for above normal fire potential in parts of the state due to high temperatures and dry conditions.
Idaho Department of Lands fire management chief Josh Harvey told Gov. Brad Little and other members of the Idaho State Board of Land Commissioners on Tuesday that the southern portion of the state has already experienced temperatures well above average, coupled with precipitation levels that are below average.
“The significant wildfire potential outlook for July shows above normal fire potential for southern Idaho – and this is above normal fire potential that’s already present in southern Idaho, and extends into portions of northern Idaho into August and September,” Harvey said during a land board meeting at the Idaho State Capitol in Boise.
In response, the Sawtooth National Forest will enter Stage 1 fire restrictions on Wednesday, while the Central Idaho Restriction Zone will go into Stage 1 fire restrictions on Friday, Harvey said.
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Sawtooth National Forest enacts Stage 1 Fire Restrictions
KMVT, 7-16-24
JEROME, Idaho - The Sawtooth National Forest and Idaho Department of Lands will initiate Stage 1 fire restrictions within the National Forest System lands boundaries on the Sawtooth and Cassia zones effective 12:01 a.m. July 17.
The purpose of the restrictions is to reduce the potential for human-caused ignitions.
“Our fire danger rating right now is Very High, and, with the abnormally dry, hot conditions and record low fuel moisture levels we’re seeing, we project it will soon be Extreme,” said Sawtooth National Forest Fire Management Officer Andrew Addey. “Nationally, demand for firefighting resources, equipment, and aviation assets is higher than normal, which also limits our ability to order resources for any new fires that may start.”
The Bureau of Land Management will not be implementing Stage 1 fire restrictions at this time. Conditions on lands managed by the BLM have not met the criteria laid out in the Idaho Fire Restrictions Plan.
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Schweitzer announces purchase of Selkirk Powder's resort-based operation
KREM, 7-15-24
SANDPOINT, Idaho — Schweitzer has announced the purchase of Selkirk Powder’s guided backcountry snowmobile and cat ski operation, an experience that invites guests to explore an additional 4,350 acres of skiable terrain from the backside of the resort.
“Since the early 2000s, Selkirk Powder has laid the groundwork in crafting unique backcountry experiences just beyond the resort’s boundary,” said Tom Chasse, president and COO of Schweitzer. “We can’t wait to build upon what’s already been established and take the operation to the next level for the upcoming winter season.”
The purchase from Selkirk Powder includes year-round access to 4,350 acres of backcountry terrain that runs adjacent to the resort’s western boundary. Previously, the company operated through a long-term concession agreement with Schweitzer and a lease from the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL), offering guided snowcat skiing and snowmobile tours that departed from Schweitzer’s summit.
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SCHWEITZER BUYS SELKIRK POWDER’S SIDECOUNTRY OPERATION
Ski Area Management, 7-15-24
SAM Magazine—Sandpoint, Idaho, July 15, 2024—Schweitzer has acquired Selkirk Powder’s resort-based backcountry operation, which offers guided snowmobiling and cat skiing in the terrain off the backside of the resort. The outfit has operated from the summit of Schweitzer for 21 years through a long-term concession agreement with the resort and a lease from the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL).
Selkirk Powder will continue to operate out of a new location near Priest River, accessing 6,250 acres in different zone of the Selkirk Mountains.
“Since the early 2000s, Selkirk Powder has laid the groundwork in crafting unique backcountry experiences just beyond the resort’s boundary,” said Tom Chasse, president and COO of Schweitzer. “We can’t wait to build upon what’s already been established and take the operation to the next level for the upcoming winter season.”
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Firefighting Pilot Killed in Single-Engine Plane Crash
Five Nation, 7-15-24
A tragic accident occurred while battling the Horse Gulch Fire northeast of Helena, Montana, resulting in the death of pilot Juliana Turchetti.
For more than 25 years, the pilot worked for Dauntless Air, a firefighting aircraft firm located in Idaho. The U.S. Forest Service was loaned the firm, which had a contract to fly for the Idaho Department of Lands. Turchetti, 45, was a Brazilian national working in the United States on an unsecured visa. In Brazil, she left “numerous” relatives and a son who is 17 years old.
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Fire danger 'High'
Coeur d'Alene Press, 7-13-24
OEUR d’ALENE — High temperatures and lack of rainfall are increasing the potential for wildfires in North Idaho.
“With this heat we've been getting, it's definitely starting to dry out,” said Shawn Pearson, deputy fire officer with the U.S. Forest Service.
Pearson said cooler, wetter weather in June delayed fire season, but the heatwave that rolled in for July changed fire danger status to high Friday. It had been moderate just last week.
The Coeur d’Alene Interagency Dispatch Center, which includes the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service, the Idaho Department of Lands and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, has responded to about 30 smaller wildfires in the region so far this fire season, several caused by lightning. All were put out quickly and caused little damage.
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Payette County considers changing oil and gas rules
Independent Enterprise, 7-13-24
PAYETTE COUNTY — Since 2013, when it first became ground zero for oil and gas drilling in the state of Idaho, Payette County has not changed the rules created that govern oil and gas — but that could soon change.
On Aug. 15, Payette County Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing regarding six proposed amendments to County Code 8-20.
“They’re not huge, but the commissioners felt [Ordinance No. 2013-02] needed a few changes,” said Payette County Planning and Zoning Administrator Patti Nitz during a phone call on July 9.
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IDL Wildfire News
Growth of Wildfire Near Kendrick Slows to Only 21 Acres in 24 Hours, is now 10% Contained
Big Country News, 7-19-24
KENDRICK - Crews continue to battle the Texas Fire, located east of Kendrick on the Latah/Nez Perce County line. According to a Friday morning update from officials, the fire reached 1,564 acres and 10% contained. The fire area has grown by only 21 acres over the previous 24 hours.
Around 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening, the Idaho Department of Lands reported that the number of buildings destroyed increased from 6 structures reported earlier in the day to 4 primary residences and 6 outbuildings.
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Texas Ridge Fire burns 1,500 acres, forces evacuations in north Idaho
Boise State Public Radio, 7-18-24
The Texas Ridge Fire has burned more than 1,500 acres northeast of Lewiston and destroyed ten structures since it was first discovered Monday afternoon.
On Tuesday, the Latah County Sheriff’s Office advised residents to immediately evacuate a large area northeast of Kendrick, and told others nearby to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.
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Fire season begins in Shoshone County
Shoshone News-Press, 7-18-24
WALLACE — Two wildfires were reported in Shoshone County on Thursday, but one has already been contained according to the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office.
Undersheriff Lance Stutzke told the News-Press on Thursday afternoon that a fire was reported on the south side of Dobson Pass, near Wallace, just before noon. Crews from Shoshone County Fire District No. 1 and the Idaho Department of Lands responded and had the half-acre fire contained quickly.
As of 3 p.m. Thursday, all SCFD personnel had cleared the location and IDL will finish putting the fire out.
The second fire report of the day came at 12:30 p.m., when IDL crews were dispatched to a reported fire east of Mastodon Mountain, in the southern region of Shoshone County near Lake Elsie.
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Texas Ridge Fire grows overnight, evacuations remain in place
KXLY, 7-18-24
KENDRICK, Idaho -- The Texas Ridge Fire burning about 45 minutes outside Moscow grew Wednesday night as more resources are deployed.
The fire is east of Kendrick and has burned 1,543 acres, according to the Idaho Department of Lands Thursday morning.
MORE: FEMA authorizes funds to fight Texas Fire in Latah and Nez Perce counties
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Wildfire Near Kendrick at 1,543 Acres, Still 0% Contained
Big Country News, 7-18-24
KENDRICK - Crews continue to battle the Texas Fire, located east of Kendrick on the Latah/Nez Perce County line. According to a Thursday morning update from officials, the fire has reached 1,543 acres in size.
Around 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening, the Idaho Department of Lands reported that the number of buildings destroyed increased from 6 structures reported earlier in the day, to 4 primary residences and 6 outbuildings.
Fireline construction was completed on Wednesday with dozers, chainsaws, and handline. Early in the day on Wednesday, aviation resources aided fire suppression efforts near the intersection of Texas Ridge Road and Cedar Ridge Road as well as the northern-end of the fire. Later in the day, aviation focus shifted to the eastern spot. Engines patrolled the fire area overnight.
6 Structures Destroyed In Wildfire Near Kendrick-Latah County Declares Emergency
Pullman Radio, 7-17-24
The Texas Ridge Fire burning East of Kendrick has destroyed six structures.
The blaze has torched 1,500 acres. Officials haven’t provided any more details about the buildings that have been destroyed. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
The Latah County Commissioners declared an emergency for the fire on Tuesday. The declaration allows the county to pursue federal funds to help respond to the blaze.
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FEMA authorizes funds to fight Texas Fire in Latah and Nez Perce counties
KXLY, 7-17-24
LATAH COUNTY, Idaho - The Federal Emergency Management Agency has allowed federal funds to be used to help fight the Texas Fire in Latah and Nez Perce Counties.
This is the first FEMA Fire Management Assistance Grant to be issued this year in the state.
FEMA administrators said the Texas Fire threatened to cause massive destruction and could lead to a major disaster for the region.
Idaho Department of Lands said the Texas Fire is 1,323 acres with no containment as of the last update.
Homes, cell towers, radio towers, private transmission lines, and agriculture areas near Kendrick are still threatened by the fire.
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Texas Fire near Kendrick burns structures
Clearwater Tribune, 7-17-24
According to a news release, the Texas Fire, burning east of Kendrick on the Latah/Nez Perce County line had reportedly burned three primary structures as of Tuesday morning. The fire, which started Monday afternoon, caused evacuations and threatened between 50 to 60 structures. As of 9 a.m. Tuesday, the fire was estimated to be at 1200 acres in size.
Idaho Department of Lands firefighters began an aggressive attack on the fire in the Potlatch River Canyon near the junction of Texas Ridge Road and Cedar Ridge Road. Texas Ridge and East Road were closed to the public as of Monday evening.
According to the Watch Duty app, a Level 3 evacuation order, which means GO, was issued for Cedar Ridge from Highway 3 to Linden Road to S Park Road, Texas Ridge Road and East Road to Sundstrom Road.
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Texas Ridge fire grows to 1,352 acres; 0% contained, evacuations continue
KLEW, 7-17-24
KENDRICK, ID - Firefighters are still working on containing the Texas Ridge fire. The fire is still at zero percent containment and is now at 1,352 acres in size.
Yesterday crews worked to develop containment lines along the fire perimeter. This work was aided with aircraft support. Four primary residences have been lost in the fire.
Evacuations for the Cedar Ridge, Texas Ridge and Linden, all the way down Highway three and across the river are still in place. P1 and Texas Ridge remain closed.
For more information on evacuation head to the Latah County Sheriff's Office FaceBook page. For those that live in Nez Perce County and are close to this fire, visit the Nez Perce County Emergency Management FaceBook page to stay up to date.
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Texas Fire Rages Near Kendrick: 1,200 Acres Burned, 3 Structures Lost, and Evacuations Ordered
Big Country News, 7-16-24
KENDRICK - Crews worked through the night on the Texas Fire, burning east of Kendrick on the Latah/Nez Perce County line. As of 9:00 a.m. Tuesday morning, the fire size was estimated by officials at 1,200 acres in size.
Officials last said the number of structures threatened was between 50 to 60.
As of 12:01 p.m. on July 16th, The Idaho Department of Lands reported that three primary structures have been lost.
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UPDATED AT 12:16 P.M..: Texas Ridge Fire grows to 1,200 acres; Three primary structures have been destroyed
Lewiston Tribune, 7-16-24
UPDATE AT 12:16 p.m.
Three primary structures have been destroyed by the Texas Ridge Fire, according to an update by the Idaho Department of Lands.
The fire remains out of control and air temperatures are expected to rise and low relative humidity levels to drop as an inversion blanketing the Potlatch River Valley lifts. Both high temperatures and low humidity levels can intensify fire activity.
An evacuation center has been established at Kendrick High School and the Incident Command Post is being established at Deary High School.
Texas Fire burning in Kendrick remains uncontained
Fox 28, 7-16-24
KENDRICK, Idaho — The Texas Fire in Latah County has caused evacuation orders and threatened structures across more than 1200 acres with no containment progress made.
Update: July 16 at 10:30 a.m. – The Idaho Department of Lands issued an update on the wildfire stating that evacuations are still in effect as of Tuesday morning.
Level 3 Evacuations: A Level 3 Evacuation means “GO” Evacuate NOW.
Cedar Ridge from Highway 3 to Linden Rd.Linden Rd. to S Park Rd.Texas Ridge Rd and East Rd. to Sundstrom Rd.
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Fire leads to evacuation near Kendrick
Moscow-Pullman Daily News, 7-16-24
KENDRICK — A wildfire that prompted an evacuation and sent a huge plume of smoke into the sky ignited Monday afternoon in Latah County near Kendrick.
The Texas Fire grew to 150 acres east of Kendrick as of 7:30 p.m. Monday, according to the Idaho Department of Lands, although fire activity decreased some in the evening as temperatures cooled. The fire was at 0% containment as of 9:40 p.m., according to an updated news release from the department. The cause of the fire hasn’t been determined.
People in the areas of Cedar Ridge, Texas Ridge and Linden down to Idaho Highway 3 were advised to evacuate, according to the Latah County Sheriff’s Office. Texas Ridge was closed. The fire also spreading into Nez Perce County.
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Billy Creek Fire steady at 33% containment
Lewiston Tribune, 7-9-24
The Billy Creek Fire south of Lewiston has grown little since its first run last week.
According to an update from the Idaho Department of Lands, the fire was last measured at 3,169 acres and is 33% contained.
The fire started Wednesday near the Idaho Department of Fish and Game’s Billy Creek Ranch, just north of Heller Bar. The cause is under investigation. It grew to about 3,000 acres during its first 24 hours.
The firefighting effort is being managed by a Type 1 team.
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Texas fire forces evacuations in Latah County
KLEW, 7-15-24
Kendrick, idaho (KLEW) — Update: The Texas Ridge fire has grown to over 1200 acres overnight. Evacuations are still in effect for the affected areas.
The city of Kendrick has posted to their Facebook page that evacuations are at level 2, and residents should be prepared to leave.
The Red Cross is setting up an evacuation center at Kendrick High School. The fire is 0% contained.
Original Story:
A reported wildfire in Latah County is causing evacuations.
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KREM, 7-15-24
The Latah County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) has issued Level 3 "Go Now" Evacuations due to a wildfire burning east of Kendrick, Idaho.
The fire is being referred to by the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) as the Texas fire.
The Texas fire is burning in Potlach River Canyon near the junction of Texas Ridge Road and Cedar Ridge Road and is moving northeast.
Here's a rundown of what we know as of 9 a.m. Tuesday (July 16):
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Go Now! Evacuations issued due to fire in Latah County
KHQ, 7-15-24
KENDRICK, Idaho — The Texas Fire in Latah County has caused evacuation orders for a 150 acre blaze near the Cedar Ridge, Texas Ridge and Linden areas.
Update: July 15 at 9:30 p.m. - The Latah County Sheriff's Office has issued the following evacuation orders:
Level 3 Evacuations: A Level 3 Evacuation means “GO” Evacuate NOW.
- Cedar Ridge from Highway 3 to Linden Rd.
- Texas Ridge Rd and East Rd. to Sundstrom Rd.
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Wildfire Threatening Homes East Of Kendrick-Residents In The Texas Ridge/Cedar Ridge Road Area Need To Evacuate Now
Pullman Radio, 7-15-24
Authorities are evacuating residents East of Kendrick for a wildfire that’s burning in the Potlatch River Canyon.
The blaze started this afternoon around 4:00. The fire has burned about 100 acres in the Texas Ridge and Cedar Ridge Roads area. About 40 structures are threatened by the flames. The Latah County Sheriff’s Office is evacuating nearby residents. Deputies are telling residents in that area to evacuate now. Idaho Department of Lands is attacking the fire from the air with helicopters and airplanes along with crews on the ground.
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Evacuations ordered for wildfire threatening 40 structures in Kendrick
Fox 28, 7-15-24
According to the Idaho Department of Lands, the fire was about 60 to 100 acres as of 4 p.m. and was growing.
An evacuation order was issued by the Latah County Sheriff’s Office at about 5:15 p.m. for the area around Cedar Ridge road.
The fire blazed Monday night in the Potlatch River Canyon and drew several fire crews and helicopters.
This is a developing story. More information will appear as available.
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Evacuations ordered for wildfire threatening 40 structures in Kendrick
KREM, 7-15-24
KENDRICK, Idaho – A wildfire threatened 40 structures and continued to grow near Kendrick on Monday.
According to the Idaho Department of Lands, the fire was about 60 to 100 acres as of 4 p.m. and was growing.
An evacuation order was issued by the Latah County Sheriff’s Office at about 5:15 p.m. for the area around Cedar Ridge road.
The fire blazed Monday night in the Potlatch River Canyon and drew several fire crews and helicopters.
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Bench Lake Fire Complicated by Dead Trees and Windy Conditions
Eye on Sun Valley, 7-14-24
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The Bench Lake fire that closed the area around Redfish Lake grew to 150 acres by Saturday evening, up from 66 the day before.
"We are up at our family cabin at Fisher Creek and watched the fire grow immensely (Saturday)--very scary," said Blaine County Commissioner Muffy Davis.
Firefighters said they encountered active fire behavior with single trees and groups of trees torching. Numerous structures are threatened.
The fire is 0% contained.
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Forest Service and Idaho Department of Lands employees have mobilized structure protection resources.
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VIEW THE SOCIAL MEDIA ARCHIVE ON IDL'S WEBSITE
TEXAS FIRE COMMUNITY MEETING TONIGHT
Posted June July 18, 2024
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***TEXAS FIRE COMMUNITY MEETING TONIGHT***
Join Northern Rockies Incident Management Team 8 this evening at the Kendrick High School Library at 6:00 PM PT to learn more about current information about the Texas Fire status and ongoing operations.
EDIT: The meeting this evening will not be streamed. Information shared during the meeting will be posted in a video on this page following the meeting. Please feel free to call the Texas Fire information line, staffed from 7:00 A…
While the Trees Grow, Idaho's Forests Thrive!
Posted July 17, 2024
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 While the Trees Grow, Idaho's Forests Thrive!
Healthy, growing forests play a crucial role in reducing wildfire risks. By managing our forests sustainably, we're not only preserving their beauty but also protecting our communities. Plus, Idaho Endowment Land timberlands generate significant funds for Idaho public schools. Proper forest management means less fuel for wildfires, making our homes and natural landscapes safer. Let's celebrate the growth of Idaho's forests and…
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